The 10th season of “American Idol” has had enough memorable moments to revitalize the Fox franchise at a crucial time in its history. New judges, a talented group of finalists and unpredictable outcomes have made this one of the most entertaining seasons in its decade-long run. Here are 10 of the highlights heading into the finale.

1. Welcome to ‘Idol,’ Steven Tyler!
The Aerosmith frontman was the incoming judge who raised a lot of eyebrows before the season even began. Nobody really knew what he had to offer or how he would react when evaluating contestants. But he didn’t take long to show what he’d contribute: a generally positive and rarely filtered irreverence that marked a huge change from the ultra-serious foursome of judges a year ago.

When he greeted Scotty McCreery’s audition with “Hellfire, save matches, f--- a duck and see what hatches,” it made no sense and caused everyone — including the other judges — to get that “what in the heck just happened?” expression. It was also humorous, supportive and fun, which accurately describes what Tyler has been all season — Paula Abdul with messier hair, a fouler mouth and a more colorful wardrobe.

2. ‘Baby lock the door ...’
If there’s one song that McCreery is known for, it’s Josh Turner’s “Your Man,” but it’s mostly just the one phrase. “Baby lock the door and turn the lights down low” was our introduction to the McCreery baritone at his first audition, and he’s been turning his voice down low ever since.

Now we’ve heard him sing those lyrics about a thousand times, thanks to the ubiquitous footage of that audition and his use of it again in Hollywood. Though it did not impress Jordan Dorsey when McCreery was looking for friends on group-sing day, the unexpected sound of that voice coming out of that face is a big reason why McCreery is in the finale.

3. Meeting Lauren Alaina
The 16-year-old was a beneficiary of the decision to lower the age limit for auditioners to 15, and the first impression she offered was one of precocious confidence. The judges brought her family in to watch her sing, and she belted out “Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” Then she threw it to Steven Tyler, who took the baton ... and liked what he had heard.

“I think we found the one today, We found it. Oh yes we did,” Tyler said after those Nashville auditions.

4. Burying Thia Megia — or not
We’ve seen hints of the exasperating tasks of the “Idol” vocal coaches in the past, but by and large they’ve been portrayed as gentle helpers. Peggi Blu, on the other hand, showed the motivational stylings of Cobra Kai sensei John Kreese when she was unhappy at Thia Megia’s preparation for her performance in Las Vegas.

“Guess what. You’re gonna die on stage in front of all those people,” Blu told the 15-year-old. “I’m going to be laying in my bed watching you just croak.

“Bury her a-- onstage. Stomp right down on her tongue,” Blu then told a dumbfounded Melinda Ademi, who was sharing the stage with Megia. “I think you (Megia) don’t know what you’re doing. Make me a liar. Show me that you know. And I will eat crow. Happily. I will put salt on it and swallow it.”

5. The unkindest cut
Chris Medina was one of the inspirational audition stories that “American Idol” finds every year. His fiancée Juliana Ramos suffered brain damage in a car accident and is confined to a wheelchair, but Medina cares for her and says she is his inspiration. The judges met her at his audition, which made an impression on both them and her.

“If you ask (Juliana) now what was the best time in your life, she’ll tell you Steven Tyler kissed me on the cheek, and I got to shake J.Lo’s hand, and I got to meet Randy Jackson,” Medina said while awaiting his semifinal verdict.

Unfortunately, that verdict wasn’t good. Medina did not make the final 24, and Jennifer Lopez broke down in tears after giving him the news and watching him leave the room. “I just don’t feel like I told him in the right way ... I felt so bad,” she said. “I don’t want to do this anymore.” But clearly she did want to keep doing it, since she’s still filling that seat in the finale.

6. The Hulkster takes the stage
Professional wrestling, and in particular the legendary Hulk Hogan, had a following in the “Idol” house this season. James Durbin was a particularly big fan, with Paul McDonald another aficionado.

So when Ryan Seacrest called the two singers onstage during the elimination episode and told them they were both in trouble only to have Hogan emerge, the instant 180-degree change of expression on Durbin’s face was priceless. And not only did Durbin get Hogan’s ripped shirt as a souvenir, the audience got to watch the Hulkster shove Ryan into the crowd.

Casey Abrams was the biggest personality on “Idol” this season, as well as its most unique voice and irreverent character. Oh, and he also had health issues early in the competition that sent him to the hospital twice. So when the judges used their save on him three weeks into the finals and he collapsed in relief and shock onstage, there was the added drama of wondering whether paramedics would have to be called.

Abrams was shocked, he said, because he never expected the save to be used so early. That use would prove to be significant a couple of weeks later.

8. The stunning exit of Pia Toscano
Pia Toscano was one of the early favorites, with the only minor criticism from the judges focusing on her reliance on ballads. She went up-tempo one time, singing “River Deep, Mountain High,” and the voters showed they disagreed with the judges by sending her home.
And those judges were not happy.
“I’m shocked. I’m angry. I don’t even know what to say,” J.Lo fumed.

“I’m with Jennifer. We’re all in shock. I’m gutted. You’re one of the best singers in this. I’m never upset on this show, but this makes me mad. Really mad,” Randy chimed in.

That’s what happens when you blow the save in March. But considering the buzz that surrounded Toscano following her exit, odds are good it won’t end her chance at stardom.

9. Reinhart loses her cool
Criticism was usually hard to find this season, but Haley Reinhart got negative feedback more than most. And on April 28, she finally lost patience.

On that results episode, Jimmy Iovine offered his impression of each of the contestants. For Reinhart, his opinion was, “As an artist, Haley’s problem is that she really doesn’t know who she is yet. My prediction is that the audience is getting wind tonight. And if she goes home tonight it will be because of that.”

To which the exasperated Reinhart responded with an expletive that put the Fox censors to work. And then she went on to stick around. She knows what she is now — this season’s third-place finisher.

10. So much for the metal revival
Durbin was one of the livelier performers to take the stage this season, and when he exited in early May to finish in fourth place, the show was a little bit duller because of his absence.

“I did so much stuff that’s never been done on this show before,” Durbin said as he exited. “In my mind, I did what I came here to do and that is to give metal a chance.”

Consider the lack of metal on the airwaves these days. The fact that he finished in fourth with that kind of strategy says a lot about both his talent and fan appeal.

'American Idol' season 10

Getting the bad news

A stunned Haley Reinhart, center, learns from Ryan Seacrest, right, that her "American Idol" run is over on Thursday, May 19. Lauren Alaina, left, advances to the final.
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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One more time

Unlikely duo

Nicole Scherzinger performs her new single, “Right There,” with 50 Cent on the show Thursday, May 19. Scherzinger will be one of the hosts on Simon Cowell's new show, "X Factor."
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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Smile, smile, smile

Lauren Alaina waves to her many friends, fans and supporters as she rides by in a red convertible during a parade in Rossville, Ga., on Saturday, May 14.
(Jenna Walker / Chattanooga Times Free Press via AP)
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She holds the key

Finalist Haley Reinhart was given the key to the city of Wheeling, Ill., during her homecoming celebration on Saturday, May 14.
(Timothy Hiatt / Getty Images)
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Center of attention

"American Idol" finalist Haley Reinhart is welcomed by her hometown with a parade and ceremony during Haley Reinhart Day in Wheeling, Ill., on Saturday, May 14.
(Paul Beaty / AP)
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Get to work!

Any requests?

Scotty McCreery performs at an outdoor concert for local fans at his homecoming celebration at Buffaloe Park in Garner, N.C., on Saturday, May 14.
(Steve Exum / Getty Images)
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The bad news

Ryan Seacrest, right, tells James Durbin, left, that he has been eliminated, as Scotty McCreery learns that he is safe for another week.
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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Last song

Following his elimination on Thursday, May 12, James Durbin sang the Paul McCartney song, "Maybe I'm Amazed," which he sang during the second week of the live finals.
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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Enrique Iglesias

Enrique Iglesias performs his new single, "Dirty Dancer," from the "American Idol" stage on Thursday, May 12. The singer announced his new tour, in support of his album, "Euphoria."
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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Look who's 'On the Floor'

Jennifer Lopez shows the hopefuls how it's done as she performs her single "On the Floor" on Thursday, April 5. Her new album "Love?" debuted this week.
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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Lady night

High five

The final five contestants on season 10 of "American Idol," clockwise from top left, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Jacob Lusk, Scotty McCreery and Hayley Reinhart.
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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Leave 'em wanting more

Casey Abrams, left, gets the word from Ryan Seacrest that he's been eliminated from "American Idol" on Thursday, April 28. The recipient of the only judges' save this season, Abrams went out in style with a rendition of "I Put a Spell on You" that ranks as the best exit number ever, says TODAY.com's Craig Berman.
(Michael Becker / FOX)
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Two not for the show

Naima Adedapo, left, and Thia Megia bid farewell after being eliminated on Thursday, March 31. The first four singers eliminated this season have been women, thanks to the judges’ use of the save on Casey Abrams last week.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Oh, 'Rio'

Strike up the band

"Idol" contestants, from left, James Durbin, Paul McDonald, Casey Abrams and Stefano Langone perform on Thursday, March 31. MacDonald was among the lowest three vote-getters this week.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Final 10 plus one

Usually only the top 10 Idol contestants go on to perform on "American Idol's" Live tour, but this year there will be 11. The singers are (clockwise from top left): James Durbin, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Scotty McCreery, Jacob Lusk, Stefano Langone, Lauren Alaina, Casey Abrams, Naima Adedapo, Haley Reinhart and Thia Megia.
(Fox)
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A Hulk-ing announcement

Pro-wrestler Hulk Hogan makes a surprise appearance on "American Idol" to reveal the fates of James Durbin and Paul McDonald, who were both safe and going on tour. Hogan also gave Ryan Seacreast a pro-wrestling punch to the head, hurling him into the audience.
(Fox)
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Jennifer Hudson returns

Jennifer Hudson was back on the stage that made her famous to perform her new song, "Where You At?" "It feels good to be home!" she exclaimed.
(Fox)
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No save tonight

Karen Rodriguez gets the word, alongside host Ryan Seacrest, that she has been eliminated from season 10 of "American Idol" on Thursday, March 17. She did well enough in her last-chance performance to have judge Jennifer Lopez lobby the other judges for her, but not enough to earn the save.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Casey Abrams

Casey, a 20-year-old from Idyllwild, Calif., has fought every step of the way to continue in the competition. He was nearly eliminated during semifinals week when he had to be hospitalized for a stomach ailment two days before taping.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Thia Megia

Thia, a 16-year-old from Mountain House, Calif., is one of the competition’s youngest hopefuls. During the semifinals, judge Steven Tyler said that her “pitch can be so perfect that it doesn’t matter what song” she sings.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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James Durbin

James, a 22-year-old from Santa Cruz, Calif., is the only rocker in this season’s competition. His penchant for screams and his big stage personality have drawn comparisons to season eight runner-up Adam Lambert.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Pia Toscano

Lauren Alaina

Lauren, a 16-year-old from Rossville, Ga., brought the crowd to its feet with Reba McEntire’s “Turn on the Radio” during the semifinal round. She first ingrained herself in America’s memory by singing Aerosmith -- with Steven Tyler -- for her initial audition.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Haley Reinhart

Paul McDonald

Paul, a 26-year-old from Nashville, won high praise from the judges for his version of Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May.” Judge Steven Tyler loved his style
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Karen Rodriguez

Karen, a 21-year-old from New York, gave judge Jennifer Lopez goose bumps with her Spanish version of Mariah Carey’s “Hero.” It was a move that won America’s votes during the semifinals.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Scott McCreery

Scott, a 17-year-old country crooner from Garner, N.C., was the first of the guys to become a finalist. He performed “Letters From Home” during the semifinals to clinch his spot.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Stefano Langon

Stefano, a 21-year-old from Kent, Wash., was the only male singer the judges picked for a wild-card spot. He performed “I Need You Now” for his last-chance performance, and Steven Tyler declared that the young singer “gilded the lily of your own passion.”
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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Naima Adedapo

Naima, a 26-year-old Milwaukee native, was the last of the judges’ wild-card picks. Steven Tyler said she was the new Ella Fitzgerald after she performed “Summertime” during the semifinals.
(Michael Becker / Fox)
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